Water is the most essential resource for life. That is why the international project selected by Charlotte North Rotary is the drilling of a well and construction of a water system to supply a community and a new 60 bed hospital in Kenya. It will be located near the Karen and Dagoretti Communities outside of Nairobi. The club is partnering with the Nairobi-Parklands Rotary Club in the project.

The well drilling will cost 2.8 million Kenya shillings, or $40,000. The water storage tank and piping for distribution to the community will cost an additional $66,000.

The project will provide potable water to hundreds of people and a hospital. Kenya is a country where many are sickened and some die from drinking contaminated water. Women many times must walk long distances to carry water for their families. At times the water has to be purchased from private wells.

The planned water system will be located inside the hospital perimeter, which will provide it with security and community access. The Rafiki foundation has given assurance that maintenance and security of the water system will be a part of the hospital budget in future years.

Charlotte North hopes this project will just be the first step in an association with Nairobi-Parklands club to support the Rafiki hospital and surrounding community. District clubs interested in helping with the project should0 contact Rotarian Jim Pressly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Charlotte North will also be raising money for the project through its second annual Rafiki Hospital Wine-Tasting Fundraiser on Thursday, March 17. The event will take place from 5-7 p.m. at The Map Shop, 1500 E. Morehead Street in Charlotte.

Tickets for the event are $10 per person. For tickets and more information, contact Ted Northrup at (704) 332-5557 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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